Development Engineer Technician

Operate and/or execute process steps using a mix of processing equipment, manual processing, test equipment and metrology tools.  Perform precision work required in the deposition and processing of thin films solar cells.  Support R&D activities including but not limited to: operation, and maintenance, and upgrade of thin film PV process and measurement equipment.  May compile and analyze test data from performed testing and review results with engineering personnel to improve efficiency and stability of solar modules.

Experience and Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years of experience in a Technician role
• Associate Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of experience in a Technician role
• Bachelor Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven track record in operating deposition and characterization equipment is required in one or more of these categories: vacuum processing, wet processing, thermal processing, laser processing, characterization (4 point probe, XRF, IV, CV, EQE, ellipsometer, Raman, UV-Vis, XRD, SEM)
• Ability to repetitively handle glass plates and finished samples
• Proven communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions/test plans and safety procedures
• Excellent computer skills (including office suite and programming experience)
• Good team player and agility according to work needs
• Familiar with wet chemical processing
• Ability to multitask and willing to handle high volume of work requests

Essential Responsibilities:

• Sample preparation for development tests including cutting of full size plates
• Responsible to ensure that all the tests are complete as per the schedule including sample acquiring, testing and data entry for all development tests
• Responsible to perform any baseline or post-test measurement as  needed
• Responsible to support Engineer on any improvement project including hardware upgrades and software programming
• Handle large sample sets repetitively for randomized processing and testing
• Responsible to communicate immediately any abnormal finding on the product or testing equipment
• Flexible and task-oriented work schedule focused on getting tasks completed in time
• Able to work independently with little supervision
• Support production line activities and measurements as called upon
• Run JMP scripts and analyze simple datasets using JMP and SQL application upon training
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Responsible to assist in any other task or job assigned by supervisor
• Consistently-demonstrate efficient and effective methods to deliver quality test results

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Development Engineer 4

Travel:

• 5 -10% travel required

Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
• Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a very occasional basis
• Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)            

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.      

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.